Letter sealing and stamping machine.



v No. 728,036.1

APPLIOATION FILED FEB. 4, 1903.

4 SHEETB-SHEET l.

'No MODEL.

L w l1 @Vi hmmm PATENTED MAY 12, 1903,

J. N. STACY. 4 LETTER SEALING AND STAMPIN G MACHINE.

ILED PEB 4, 1903 APPLICATION F No. 728,036. s PNTENTED'MAY 12, 190s.l J. N. STAGY. LETTER SEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 4, 1903.

N0 MODEL. 4 SHEETS-SHEET 3..v

NUNN m a f l j,

PATBNTB'D MAY 12A, 1903. .l J. N. sT-AGY. A LETTER sEALING AND STAMPING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 4, 1903.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

N0 MODEL.

Patented May 12, 1903.

PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES N. STAOY, OF PORTLAND, OREGON.

STAMPING MACHINE..

SPECIFICATION forming* lpart of Letters Patent N o. 728,036, dated May 12, 1903.

, i Appiicaion ined February 4.1903.

To all whom it 'mrtg/,conoerm Y Be it known that I, JAMES NrSTACY, a citizen of the United States, residing at Portland,` in the county of Multnomahv and State of` Oregon, have invented certain new and useful Ime provements in Letter Sealing and Stamping Machines, of which the following is a specification.

This invention provides a machine for greatly facilitating and lessening the labor attendant upon sealing envelops and affixing postage-stamps thereto, the machine comprising independent moisteners, one for wetting the gum of the sealing-flapand the other to wet the place designed to receive the postage-stamp, both operations being performed simultaneously, means for feeding the postage-stamps, a cutter for severing the stamps from the strip, anda presser for completing the operation by applying the force necessary to cause the stamp and the sealing-flap to adhere. f

For a full description of the invention and the merits thereof and also to acquire a knowledge of the details of construction of the means for effecting the result reference is to be had to the following description and drawings hereto attached. 1

While the essential and characteristic features of the invention are susceptible of modification, still the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure l is a perspective View of a machine for attaining the objects'of this invention. Fig. 2 is a detail perspective view of the moistening devices, showing their manner of operation. Fig. Sis a longitudinal section of the machine about on the `line X X of Fig. 4f. Fig. et is a top plan view. Fig. 5 is a detail View of the means for operating the feed mechanism for the stamp-strip. Fig. 6 isa section about on the line Y Y of Figs. tand 5, showing more particularly the feed mechanism for the stamp-strip. Fig. 7 is a detail perspective View showing the manner of sealing and stamping an envelop. Fig. 8 is a detail perspective view of the guide for the stamp-strip. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the feed-actuating mechanism separated and disposed in a group. Fig. 10 is a detail view in perspective of the cup or receptacle for restraint. 141.930. (No model.)

ceivingthe sponge or absorbent containing water for moistening theY gum applied to the sealing-flaps of envelops. Fig. lllfis a detail view showing the manner of applying a series 0f stamps to an envelop or package. Fig. 12 is a vertical central section` of the moistener for wettingthe envelop at the place intended to receive the postage-stamp,V Fig. 13 is a detail perspective view of the upper end portion of the l-moistener illustratedin Fig. 12. i

Corresponding and` like parts are referred to in the followingdescription and indicated in all the views of the drawingsy by the same reference characters.

The frame of the machine is indicated at l and represents a stand preferably 0f box form, although the construction may be of any design adapted for supporting the operating parts. A shelf 2 projects laterally from the frame 1 and is intended tolreceive the envelop or package 3 after the sealing-Hap and the place for reception of vthe-{postagestamp have been moistened,l so as to support the same during the final step of sealing and stamping. A strip4 of rubber or like material is applied to the upper side of the shelf 2 to form a backing for the envelop or package. A knife 5 is located at the inner edge portion of the shelf 2, and its upper edge is aboutiiush with the top of the frame l; This knife 5 forms the stationary member ofthe stamp-cutting mechanism. A companion knife 6 is pivoted at one end to the frame and coperates with the knife 5'for cutting the postage-stamps from'the stamp-strip 7. A handle 8 is applied to the movable knife or cutter 6 for convenience of operation. A spring 9 normally holds the free end of the pivoted knife 6 elevated and is secured at one end to the frame land at its opposite end to the said knife 6 and-is of sufcient tension to operate the stamp-feeding mechanism, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

A box 10 is secured to the frame 1 and projects from the same side as the shelf 2 and is located a distance below the same and contains the means for moistening the gum applied to the sealingLi-laps of envelops or packages to be sealed by means of the machinef A sponge 11 or other absorbent material islooated in the box 10 and is saturated IOC with water. It is preferred to inclose the ab sorbent material 11 in a cup or receptacle 12, of rubber or like waterproof material, so as to protect the box 10 from corrosive action of the moisture. A plate 13 is hinged to the upper edge of the outer wall or side of the box 10 aud extends over the same aud rests upon the absorbent material 11. A spring14a, secured at one'end to the box 10, exerts an upward pressure upon the plate l3 to hold it in a predetermined position. The inner edge of the plate 13 is shaped to conform to the edge of the sealing-Hap of the envelop or package, thereby exposing the gummed portion only to the action of the absorbent material when moistening the same preliminary to sealing. The left-hand end of the plate 13 is extended, as shown at 14, beyond the inner curved edge to prevent spurting of the water when the absorbent material is compressed by depressing the inner portion of the plate when in the act of moistening the sealing-flap of the envelop. An arm 15 is applied to the opposite end of the plate 13, and its end portion is bent laterally at a right angle to engage with a pivoted plate 16, carrying the stamp-moistener. The right-hand end of the box lO is provided with a plate17 to form a support for the right-hand end portion of the envelop during the operation of moistening.

The stamp-moistener comprises a cup 18, applied to` the outer end of the pivoted plate 16 and provided at its lowerend with a holder 19 for containing absorbent material 20, by means of which the moisture is applied to the envelop. The base ofthe cup has an opening 2O for the ontfiow of the water, and atubular stem 21 rises therefrom and is provided with a lateral opening 22 near its lower end for the inflow of water to the absorbent material 20. A valve 23 is threaded into the stem 21 and is adapt-ed to regulate the supply of Water to the absorbentmaterial 2O and is provided at its upper end with a thumb-piece 24, having its edge milled or toothed forcoperation with a spring-retainer 25, by means of which the valve is held in an adjusted position against accidental displacement. An opening 26 is formed in the cover 27 of the cup and is adapted to be closed by means of a plate 28, the plate 2S and retainer 25 being mounted upon the upper end of the stem 2l and confined thereon by means of the nut 29, applied to the projecting end of said stem. When the plate 28 is turned aside, the cup 18 may be replenished through the opening 26. The holder 19 is open at its lower end, and the absorbent material 20 is retained in place by a textile strip 30, extended across the lower end of the holder and havingits end portions confined to opposite sides of the holder by a suitable binder.

The postage-stamps are cut into strips, as shown at 7, and formed into a spool and are applied to a reel 3l. A guide 32 is applied to the frame l and receives the end portion ot the stamp-strip and directs the same to the proper position over the shelf 2. A presser 33 is applied to the pivoted knife 6 and is adapted to engage with the stamp when cut from the strip and force the same upon the envelop or package placed in position upon the shelf 2 for reception thereof. The guide 32 is a flattened tube andis provided near its outer end with an opening 34 to admit of the feed-rolls 35 and 36 gripping opposite sides of the stamp-strip, so as to draw it from the reel and project the stamp over the shelf 2 in position to be cut from the strip upon the next operation of theknife 6. The feed-rolls 35 and 36 are secured to the inner ends of shafts 37 and 38, journaled parallel with the knife 5 and shelf 2 and provided at their outer ends with intermeshing gear-Wheels 39 and 40vof like diam eter, whereby the feed-rolls receive a uniform motion. One of the shafts is intel'- mittentlyactuated,so as to advance the stam pstrip upon the upward movement of the pivoted cutter 6. As shown, the operating means are applied to the shaft 38 and consist of a pinion 41, looseljT mounted upon the shaft 38 and provided with a plate or flange 42, carrying a pawl 43 for coperation with ratchetteeth 44, applied to the outer side of the gearwheel 40. A toothed bar 45 is adapted to mesh with the teeth of the pinion 41 for aotuation thereof during each oscillation of said bar. Upon moving the bar 45 downward at its free end the pinion 41 is turned in an anticlockwise direction and the pawl 43 rides upon the teeth 44, thereby preventing movement being imparted to the shafts 37 and 38 and the feed-rolls 35 and 36. A detent 46 cooperates with the teeth of the gear-wheel 4() to prevent backward rotation of the feed-rol1s. When the outer end of the toothed bar 45 moves forward, the pinion 41 is turned in a clockwise direction and the pawl 43 engaging with a tooth 44 causes the gear-wheel 40 to correspondingly turn and the shafts 37 and 38 and the attached feed-rolls 35 and 36 to correspondingly move and advance the stampstrip iu the manner stated. The inner or pivotal end of the toothed bar 45 is provided with oppositelyextended journals 47, the outer one of which is made angular to pass through a corresponding opening 48 in the inner end of an arm 49, so as to cause said arm and toothed bar to move in unison. A nut 50 is threaded upon the outer end of the journal 47 to confine the arm 49 thereon.

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The arm 49 is widened at its outer end and forked, the forked members 5l and 52 being of unequal length and adapted to engage in alternation with a trip 53, projected laterally from an arm 54, applied to or forming a part of the pivoted cutter 6. The space between the fork members 51 and 52 is such as to admit of operation of the cutting mechanism prior to actuation of the arm 49. The upward movement of the pivotedcutter 6, arm 49, and toothed bar 45 determines the operation of thestamp-feeding mechanism. Hence by regulating the movement of the cutter 6 f: the envelops.

the feed of the stamp-strip may be regulated. For this purpose a set-screw is provided and applied to the overhanging arm of a bracket 56, secured at its lower end to the frame l. When the knife or cutter 6 is permitted to move upward rapidly, the arm 49 receives a quick movement, and in order to prevent said arm and the toothed bar 45 from moving upward too far a brake 57 is provided and adapted to normally exert a restraining influence upon said bar-t5 by frictional engagement therewith. The brake 57 may be of any construction and, as shown, consists or" a strip of rubber or like material applied to the frame l and extended so as to engage with a side of the toothed bar 45.

The operation of the machine is as follows: The envelops or packages after being filled are moistened one at a time and sealed and stamped in like manner. As shown in Fig. 2, the envelop,with the sealing-flap extended, is placed upon the plate 13 so that the gum med edge portion projects sufficiently beyond the inner edge of the plate to be moistened,with the right-hand end overhanging the plate 17, and upon pressing downward upon the plate `13 the gummed edge of the sealing-Hap is moistened, and the upper right-hand portion of the envelop is wet by contact therewith of the stamp-mostener. The envelop is lifted from the plate and placed upon the shelf 2, the sealing-flap being folded andthe envelop positioned so as to bring the wet spot `immediately below the stamp. The cutter 6 is nowY operated, and the stamp cut from the stampstrip is forced upon the envelop by the presser 33, and said envelop is subjected at the same time to pressure to cause the stamp and sealing-Iiap to iirmly adhere. The downward movement of the plate 13 results in a synchronous movement of the stamp-mostener by reason of the intermediate connection. Two movements only are necessary for the stamping and sealing of the envelops or packages, the one for moistening andthe other for stamping and closing, as will be readily comprehended.

In the event of a series of stamps being required to be applied to the envelops or packages the strips may contain the desired number of stamps to be cut therefrom at each operation of the machine, and as shown in Fig. 1l the stam p-strip contains two sets of stamps, corresponding to the number to be affixed to The only change necessary to adapt the machine for applying more than one stamp at a time is to increase the width ot' the guide 32 to correspond to the width of the stamp-strip, and it may likewise be necessary to increase the width of the presser 33 and the feed-roli.

Having thus described the invention,what is claimed as new is-` 1. In a machine for sealing and stamping envelops or like packages, andin combination with the sealing and stamping mechanisms,`

means for synchronously moistening the sealing-flap and the stamp-space of the envelop, the same comprising receptacles containing absorbent material, a movable bar extended over the absorbent material of the sealingflap mostener, a movable. support carrying the stamp-mostener, and connecting means between said movable parts to effect-a simultaneous movement in the same direction,sub stantially as described.

2. In a machine for sealing and stamping envelops or like packages, and in combination with the sealing and stamping mechanism, means for synchronously moistening the sealing-flap and the stamp-space of the envelops,

the same comprising receptacles containing absorbent material, a pivoted plate extended over the absorbent material of the sealingap mostener, a pivoted support carrying the stam p-moistener, and connecting means between said movable parts, substantially as set forth.

3. In a machine for sealing and stamping envelops orlike packages, and in combination with the sealing and stam ping mechanism, means for moist'ening the sealing-flap and the stam p-space,the same comprising receptacles containing absorbent materia1,a pivoted plate extended over the absorbent material ofthe sealingiap mostener and having its inner edge cut away to correspond with the gummed edge portion of said sealing-Hap, a movable support for the stamp-mostener, yand connecting means between said support and pivoted plate, substantially-as described.

4. In a machine for sealing and stamping envelops orlike packages, and in combination with the sealing and stamping mechanism,

Vmeans for moistening the sealing-Hap and the stamp-space, the same comprising receptacles containing absorbent material,a pivoted plate ting mechanism for severing the stamps from the stam p-strip adapted to have the power applied thereto, and means for operating saidl actuator from the cutting mechanism, the

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parts being arranged to admit of the cutter`V having a limited movement intermediate of its extreme movements without imparting mo-y tion to the actuator, substantially as set forth. 6. In a machine of the character described,

and in combination with cooperating means for moistenirig the sealing-nap of an envelop or package and wetting the'place for reception have the power applied thereto, a presser applied to the movable cutter, and means for operating the pivoted actuator from said movable cutter, the latter having a limited play between itsextreme movements without operating said pivoted actuator, substantially as set forth.

7. In a machine of the character described, and in combination with cooperating;r means for moistening the sealing-Hap of an envelop or package and wetting the place for reception of the stamp, mechanism for feeding a stampstrip comprising a pivoted actuator, a guide for directing the stam p-strip, a cutting mechanism adapted to have the power applied thereto, a presser carried by the movable member of the cuttingr mechanism, means for limiting the upward movement of the movable cutter, and means foroperating the pivoted actuator from said movable cutter, the latter having a limited pla57 between its extreme movements without operating said pivoted actuator, substantially as described.

8. In a machine of the character described, and in combination with means for meistening?` the sealing-Hap of an envelop or package and wetting the place for reception of the stamp, mechanism for feeding the stamp-stripl comprising a feed-roll, a toothed wheel connected with said feed-roll, a pinion in coaxial alinement with the toothed wheel and feedroll, a pawl carried by said pinion and adapted to cooperate with the toothed Wheel, a

toothed bar in mesh with said pinion, cutting mechanism for the stamp-strip, and connecting means between said toothed bar and the movable member of the cutting mechanism, su bsiantially as .speci tied.

9. In a machine ofthe character described, and in combination with means for moistening the sealing-flap of an envelop or package and wetting the place for reception of the stamp, mechanism for feeding the stamp-strip comprising a pair of feed-rolls, shafts therefor, gear-wheels of like diameter secured to said shaft and in meshing relation, ratchetteeth applied to one of said gear-wheels, a detent-pawl, a pinion mounted in coaxial alinement with the shaft of said ratchet-Wheel, a pawl connected with said pinion and adapted to cooperate with the teeth of the ratchetwheel, a toothed bar arranged for cooperation with said pinion, an oscillating,r arm connected with the toothed bar, a cutting mechanism forthe stamp-strip, and a trip extended from the movable member of the cutting mechanism and adapted to engage with said oscillating arm for actuation thereof, substantially as set forth.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

JAMES N. STACY. [L

Vitnesses:

MILLER MUaDoci-I, C. QUIMBY. 

